"The joint efforts of our countries to address key issues in both bilateral and multilateral formats deserve high praise. The fact that the two brotherly countries, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, constantly support each other on all issues is a source of pride."

President Ilham Aliyev made these remarks in an interview with the National News Agency of Uzbekistan, Operativ Media reports.

He noted that cooperation between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan within the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) is of particular importance:

"Last year, the 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States was held in Gabala. Key issues regarding cooperation within the organization were discussed, and declarations were signed aimed at strengthening the OTS, ensuring closer unity across the Turkic world, increasing its political, economic, and military power, and turning it into a center of influence and power on the global stage.

Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan view the OTS not only as a platform for interstate cooperation, but also as a vital union that carries our shared history, culture, and spiritual values into the future.

The contributions of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan to advancing political dialogue, economic ties, transport and logistics potential, as well as cooperation in education, science, and cultural-humanitarian spheres within the OTS, serve to further deepen integration among Turkic states.

Our cooperation, particularly interaction in transport and logistics, holds great promise. Azerbaijan’s position in the South Caucasus and Uzbekistan’s in Central Asia make our countries natural partners along key strategic routes connecting East and West. In this regard, integrating the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project with the Middle Corridor and TRIPP will create new economic and transit opportunities for the entire region."

The president noted that initiatives undertaken by Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan to preserve and promote shared Turkic heritage are of unmatched importance in passing this great spiritual legacy to future generations:

"Our countries also attach great importance to cooperation within other Turkic organizations. Uzbekistan's admission as a full member of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation in May 2025 was a significant and gratifying event. Uzbekistan’s accession to this foundation, with its rich historical heritage, ancient statehood traditions, and distinctive cultural values, will significantly expand opportunities for cooperation in preserving and promoting the shared heritage of the Turkic world.

Thus, our countries' active cooperation within the OTS and other Turkic organizations will continue to contribute to closer integration of the Turkic world and the consolidation of its unified position on the international stage."

Regarding Azerbaijan's relations with Central Asian countries, he noted that these ties have developed dynamically in recent years based on principles of alliance, strategic partnership, and mutually beneficial cooperation. Vital factors such as historical and cultural affinity and shared spiritual values form a solid foundation for existing ties between Azerbaijan and Central Asian states:

"Azerbaijan attaches particular importance to expanding political dialogue, deepening economic ties, enhancing transport and communication potential, and developing cooperation in the energy and humanitarian fields with Central Asian countries. In this regard, the Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia serve as an essential and influential platform for fostering regional cooperation, coordinating interaction, and discussing joint initiatives.

At the 7th Consultative Meeting held in Tashkent last November under Uzbekistan's chairmanship, a decision was adopted on the Republic of Azerbaijan's full participation in the Consultative Meetings of Central Asian Heads of State. I once again express my sincere gratitude to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan and other Central Asian heads of state for their support in this process.

As a result of Azerbaijan’s active engagement in this process, the cooperation format previously known as 'C5' has effectively become 'C6,' with regional dialogue and strategic partnership acquiring new depth and scale.

Azerbaijan’s full participation in this format demonstrates the strategic importance our country attaches to relations with Central Asia. Discussions within the framework of the consultative meetings help further strengthen mutual trust among regional countries, identify new areas of cooperation, and implement key initiatives for regional development.

Azerbaijan's participation in this format also reflects our country's contribution to strengthening interregional cooperation. The dialogue and cooperation mechanisms established within this platform serve not only to develop interstate relations, but also to ensure peace, stability, and sustainable progress across the Eurasian space.

Thus, the comprehensive cooperation forged between Azerbaijan and Central Asian countries exemplifies a strategic partnership built on mutual respect, trust, and shared interests.

Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan also cooperate effectively across all international organizations and multilateral platforms of which they are members and participants, particularly within the UN, OIC, OTS, ECO, CICA, and the Non-Aligned Movement."